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Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has eased social distancing requirements and capacity limits on transit vehicles.
DTPW has taken many steps over the past year to combat the spread of COVID-19 and always has kept the safety of passengers and staff at the forefront of every decision.
Face masks remain a requirement while riding on and waiting for transit vehicles.
Metrobus drivers have been instructed to increase capacity limits to 36 passengers per regular 40-foot buses, and 57 passengers per larger 60-foot articulated buses. Some seats will continue to be blocked off for riders’ safety. If a bus reaches capacity, operators will call a supervisor to dispatch another bus.
Metrorail will increase capacity to 50 passengers per train car, and Metromover trains will allow for 35 passengers per vehicle. Operators will continue to monitor Metrorail and Metromover loads and make adjustments as needed.
“Easing capacity limits on our buses and trains is an important step forward to improve service to our riders, as we work to safely move our economy forward,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I am incredibly proud that over a million Miami-Dade residents have received at least one vaccine, a milestone in our efforts to protect our community.”
“I urge all our residents and visitors to continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently, staying home if sick, and of course, to get vaccinated — our most important tool to finally put the pandemic behind us.”
While buses will ease their capacity restrictions and the enter/exit directional signage on Metrorail and Metromover vehicles will be removed, the department will continue its increased cleaning and disinfecting schedule. Signage encouraging social distancing at transit stations and on some vehicles will remain in place.
Miami-Dade Transit riders are reminded that all transit fares and parking fees will be reinstated beginning Tuesday, June 1. Riders who have been impacted by COVID-19 or are facing financial hardships may qualify for free or reduced fare. Visit the website or contact the EASY Card Customer Service team at 786-469-5151, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except county-observed holidays, or email at easycard@miamidade.gov.
The department continues to analyze ridership data in order to make service adjustments. Details on additional service adjustments are forthcoming. Riders are encouraged to sign up to receive transit alerts to be notified directly via email or SMS text. Sign up at miamidade.gov/alerts.
Capacity was limited on Metrobus vehicles at the onset of the pandemic in order to help facilitate social distancing and slow the spread of the virus.
All adults 18 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Young adults, ages 16-17, also are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine if accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information on the vaccine and how to make an appointment, visit miamidade.gov/vaccine.
DTPW will continue to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and Miami-Dade County to ensure the actions being taken are comprehensive and appropriate.
Visit miamidade.gov/transit for more information.
